Dr. James A. Noel Ph.D, 88, of Ashland, died Thursday evening, May 5, 2011 at Hospice of North Central Ohio.

He was born August 11, 1922 in Williamstown, PA to the late James E. and Helen (Brennan) Noel.

James was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945 serving in World War II. He also was a veteran of the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1952 serving in the Korean conflict.

James received his B.A. in Geology in 1949 from Lehigh University. He received his Master in Geology in 1951 from Dartmouth College and his Ph.D. in Geology in 1956 from Indiana University.

He was a Associate professor of Geology from 1960 to 1964 at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA; from 1966 to 1971 he served as Professor of Geology and Department Chairman at Wright State University in Dayton, OH; from 1971 to 1974 he served as Assistant Dean of the branch campus of Wright State University in Celina, OH; 1974 to 1982 he was professor of Geology at Wright State University in Dayton, OH; and from 1982 to his retirement in 1992 he was professor of Geology at Ashland University.

Dr. Noel’s other professional experiences were Senior Geologist with Creole Petroleum, Inc. in Maracaibo, Venezuela from 1954 to 1960. From 1964 to 1966 he served as Research Associate with Pure/Union Oil Co, Brea CA; from 1982 to 1984 he worked as a Geologist with the G&P Exploration Inc. of Houston, TX, and from 1984-1985 he was Vice President of Bay Production Inc., of Irving TX. He had worked with Trinity Gas, Inc. in Brownwood TX from 1993 until recently where he served as Consulting Vice President of Exploration. He was also a team member that negotiated an Association Contract with ECOPETROL, the national oil company of Columbia, for exploration and drilling in the Cauca Valley in western Columbia, and he also oversaw all exploration in the contract area. In addition to the above he consulted in many states and several foreign countries including China for numerous companies on petroleum and coal exploration and development.

He was a member of several professional societies including the American Association of Petroleum Geologists from 1952 until the present, where he served three terms in the House of delegates. He also served the association on numerous committees including, publications, membership, academic liaison, student chapter, environmental, and honors and awards. He also authored a Geology textbook called “Earth Today”, which was used at many universities. He was a member of the Advisory Council and was a candidate for Treasurer in 1973. He was a member of the Eastern Section, American Association of Petroleum Geologists where he had served as President, Vice President, representative to the National Advisory Council, and General Chairman of the associations first annual meeting. He was also a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists where he served on the Advisory Committee and the Ohio membership screening committee; and the Ohio Geological Society where he served as President, Vice President and Field Trip Chairman.

He was a Certified Petroleum Geologist, Certified Professional Geologist, and Certified by the State of Indiana

His awards included the Eastern Section, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, where he received the Honorary membership, Outstanding Educator and Distinguished Service awards, and from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists where he received the Distinguished Service Award in1997.

His Civic activities included, Advising the former Mayor and County Commissioners on groundwater problems; a five year member of the memorial Day Parade Committee, three years as master of ceremonies; Fraternal Order of Eagles where he held all local and district offices and served as Chairman of the planning and financing committee for the construction of the new lodge on Eastlake Dr. He was a member of the American Legion, Harry Higgins Post 88 serving on several committees including Chairman of the Building Committee, and the AMVETS Post # 96 where he helped with the composing, editing and printing of the newsletter, 2nd Vice Commander, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, and Chairman of AMVETS Citizen of the Month Committee. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1067 and Ashland Elks Lodge 1360
He was a member of Saint Edwards Catholic Church.

Jim is survived by children; Janet (Andy) Noel Thuney of CA, Kevin Noel of Celina, Dawn (Al) Hickman of PA, grandchildren; Jandy (Derek) Hicks, Alison (Bill) Payne, Amy(Mark) Smith, Brian Hickman, Michael Hickman, Hunter Noel, 6 great-grandchildren; former wife Claudia Noel, Step-children; Michelle(Bob) Bomholt of IN, Ellen (Denny) Brickley of Willshire, Laura(Brent) Skinner of NC, step-grandchildren; Rachel and Ross Bomholt, Ryan (Kate), Derek, and Tyler Brickley, and Erin and Paige Skinner, 3 step- great-grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by first wife Helen Noel, brother Edward Noel, and sister Mary Lou.

Friends may call Saturday, May 7, 2011, from 3pm to 5pm at Denbow Primm Kemery funeral home. Funeral services will follow at 5 pm at the funeral home with the Rev. Donald Earlenbaugh officiating. Burial will follow at Ashland City Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central, 1050 Dauch Dr
Ashland, OH 44805-8845.

For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral homes website at www.dpkfh.com.

Denbow-Primm-Kemery Funeral Home is serving the family.

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